Reply by tyskkvinna

The reason why I have an expensive CNC machine and can’t afford $100 on another tool is because, yes, this is a community workshop-I run a non-profit community workspace. We didn’t buy the CNC machine and it would be a stretch to even consider being able to afford one. :)

We recently broke two of our drills—as in, within the past 10 days. So I literally do not have a spare drill right now. They finally just up and died.

Eventually I can get some dedicated parts for making these, but in the meantime they are a nice fundraiser that I can do to help knock off the list of higher priority items that we need. (Like, yknow, drills.)

Incidentally there is no sanding when I am done making the pen. The finish from the CNC is really great. I may sand to make sure the very edges are perfect, but I may also do that on the tabletop sander.

I wondered if the hang-and-dip method would work. I will try that. That would be perfect. If not, I’ll see what I can rig up with a drill press. I may be able to come up with something.